With winter weddings on the rise, the 2013 season is wrapped in romance. Brides are finding novel ways to inject old-world charm into their modern wedding attire and décor, which is being inspired by everything from The Hobbit to Twilight to Kate Middleton.
From princess-style cap sleeves to billowing bell sleeves, arm candy of any style or length is a must-have for a winter wedding. If your heart is set on a sweetheart neckline, decorate your arms with a pair of trendy lace gloves that reach your elbows. Drape an enchanting bolero, faux fur stole, pashmina shawl or cashmere wrap around your shoulders when you get chilly.
Also on trend right now are floor-length gowns that sparkle with crystals and float with feathers. Soft, modest ruffles are created using tulle, organza and chiffon, while backs become a bit risqué with plunging V-necks and peekaboo cutouts that are covered with sheer fabrics.
To complement the flowing gowns, fingertip veils edged with simple satin and pearls or stunning appliqué lace and sequins are making a dramatic appearance at winter weddings. Made from yards of lace or sheer fabric, the longer veils emanate elegance. Popular for centuries in Spain and Mexico, full-length mantilla veils harmonize perfectly with floor-sweeping dresses.
As vintage fever casts its glow over the nation, brides are incorporating ornate hair combs, jewel-toned earrings, cascading lariat necklaces and layered gold bracelets into their wedding day attire. Classic pearls, sizzling sapphires and dripping emeralds embody this vintage trend. Raid your grandmother's jewelry box to find the perfect heirloom piece for your something borrowed.
Adding gold filigree combs to your hair is one of the easiest ways to incorporate this romantic look into your wedding day. Studded with crystals and rhinestones, these elegant hairclips can be worn with an an graceful up-do or cascading curls and are the perfect solution for securing your veil in place.
You can also create a dramatic brooch bouquet, which is a great alternative for brides who want to avoid carrying flowers, or accent the silk-wrapped stems of your bouquet with a crystal brooch.
Although a red wedding gown is regularly worn throughout Asia and the Middle East, most American brides still shy away from such a bold choice, even during festive winter weddings. You can still embrace the colorful wedding dress trend with a seasonal yet elegant ice blue, shimmery silver or modest blush.
From your bridesmaids dress to your table centerpieces, accent these soft colors with rich earth tones, such as eggplant, olive, emerald and crimson. White on white is also popular this winter season, so choose fabric textures that offer sharp contrasts. Add some magic by dusting your décor with an sparling gold or silver metallic.
If you prefer brilliantly bold shades, take a look at Pantone's 2012 color palette, which includes such confident colors as bright chartreuse, honey gold, tangerine tango and Olympian blue. Emerald green, a perfect color for a winter or spring wedding, shines as Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year.
Simple one-tier cakes are a huge hit right now. Enliven the design with chevron stripes or a faded ombre pattern, both of which can incorporate your wedding colors. To stick with the romantic vintage theme, opt for paper-thin ruffles with ribbon banding and crystal accent brooches. For a stunning frosting-free wedding cake, have your baker decorate with fresh fruit and flowers.
A cupcake tower, candy buffet or confection bar loaded with fruits, nuts and sugar offers your guests a sweet sweet spin on the wedding treats. Or you can create an eye-catching display that guests will talk about for years by filling martini glasses with desserts and serving with silver spoons.
